Michael Bay Attacked On "Transformers" Set

Filmmaker Michael Bay was attacked on the set of "Transformers: Age of Extinction" in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Two brothers approached Bay during filming, the younger demanding a payment of USD $12,900 for reasons not immediately clear. As a discussion ensued, the elder brother walked up and tried to assault the filmmaker with an air conditioning unit.

He then attacked police officers who tried to intervene. The younger brother was arrested on suspicion of blackmail and assault, the elder was also arrested on suspicion of assault.

Filming resumed as normal after the dispute. The police officers were treated in hospital for minor injuries, while a third man was also arrested. Paramount issued the following statement:

"Contrary to several erroneous news reports, Bay did not get hurt in a fight on his set. The production company did have a rather bizarre encounter with a man (allegedly under the influence of a narcotic substance) who was wielding an air conditioning unit as his weapon of choice.
“The young man, who had earlier accosted several other crew members, barreled onto the set in Quarry Bay and swung the cumbersome appliance directly at Bay’s head. The director ducked and wrested the air conditioner from his attacker, preventing what could have been a serious accident.

The company’s security team quickly stepped in and subdued the assault. The police, who also scuffled with the assailant and two of his companions, ultimately arrested the three men. No one on the cast or crew was injured and the production immediately resumed filming without further incident."